On Wednesday, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Mines and Petroleum announced a $275‑million agreement with the domestic Azizi Group to explore and extract natural gas in the northern Jawzjan province. The contract was signed in Kabul, a move that signals the country’s intent to expand its energy portfolio through domestic resources, according to the ministry’s statement.
The deal, unveiled by Minister of Mines and Petroleum Mullah Hedayatullah Badri, sets the foundation for a 30‑year partnership that will cover more than 3,000 square kilometres in the Jungal Kalan region, spanning parts of the Amu Darya basin. The valuation includes the estimated costs for exploration, extraction, and the development of associated infrastructure.
Project Scope and Impact
The Azizi Group will take charge of the operational aspects, bringing its technical expertise to the development of the gas fields. The scope of the project includes the drilling of exploratory wells, production of natural gas, and construction of extension pipelines to feed the national grid. The natural gas extracted is projected to support the generation of 1,000 MW of electricity, a figure that positions the venture as a significant contributor to the country’s power supply.
Beyond the supply of energy, the agreement highlights considerable socio‑economic benefits. The ministry’s release states that the project is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs during its implementation phase. These roles will range from geological surveyors and drilling engineers to support staff managing daily operations and logistics.
Minister Badri underscored these prospective gains, noting that the project represents a step toward securing Afghanistan’s energy future while fostering local employment. He emphasized that the partnership is part of a broader agenda to unlock the nation's natural wealth and boost economic growth through the responsible use of its mineral, oil, and gas resources.
The partnership illustrates a strategic pivot toward domestic resource development, reducing the country’s current dependence on limited energy sources. By harnessing natural gas reserves within its borders, Afghanistan aims to enhance overall energy security and build a more resilient infrastructure that can support both industrial and residential needs.
Jawzjan’s place within the Amu Darya basin offers a geologically rich landscape that has been identified as a potential hotspot for hydrocarbon deposits. The decision to conduct large‑scale exploration in this area is rooted in prior geological surveys that, though not detailed in the public account, suggest the presence of viable gas reserves capable of meeting national demands.
Looking forward, the long‑term nature of the agreement signifies confidence in the region’s resource potential and the stability of Afghanistan’s energy policy. The government’s continued outreach to domestic firms like Azizi is part of an effort to attract investment that aligns with its objectives of unlocking natural wealth, boosting energy security, and fostering economic development.
In sum, the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum’s recent signing of a $275‑million natural gas deal with the Azizi Group marks a pivotal moment for the country’s energy landscape. With a 30‑year contract covering significant territory, the venture promises job creation, a substantial boost in electricity production, and a step toward greater energy self‑reliance.
